Mar 28, 2024  
2017-2018 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2017-2018 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Philosophy, B.A.


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Students pursuing a major in Philosophy critically study the abiding questions facing humankind: What is the nature of God? Why be moral? Is there an afterlife? What is beauty? What is truth? What is justice? What does it mean to know? The study of philosophy develops analytical, critical, and interpretive abilities, cultivating a student’s capacities for reflection and self-expression. Students majoring in Philosophy develop a comprehensive knowledge of the history of philosophy and the representative philosophical problems and issues of the discipline. The study of philosophy further enhances the student’s capacity to apply philosophical methods to intellectual problems across academic fields of study.

The study of philosophy is excellent preparation for careers that demand careful reading, critical thinking, and decision-making abilities. A major in Philosophy provides a solid foundation for students planning careers in medicine, law, education, and business. Philosophy majors are among the top performers on the Law School Aptitude Test and the Medical College Aptitude Test. Philosophy majors also succeed in executive and management sectors of business that require the ability to assimilate information, analyze situations, and produce effective solutions to complex problems.

Requirements for Graduation:

To be eligible for graduation, students majoring in Philosophy must complete a minimum of 120 credits, achieve a cumulative grade point average of 2.0, satisfy the College’s residency requirements, and complete the General Education Requirements of the College. A minimum grade of 2.0 is required for First Year Seminar and all courses taken as part of Foundations. Courses used to complete General Education Requirements may not be taken on a pass/fail basis. In addition, Philosophy majors must complete two semesters of one foreign language.

The General Education Requirements of the college require students to successfully complete a First Year Seminar, Foundations, Disciplinary Perspectives, and a Constellation. Students who enter the college with 30 credit hours completed will not take a First Year Seminar course and therefore must take an additional 3 credits for graduation. Transfer students that are awarded 60 or more credits upon acceptance to York College will not be required to complete a Constellation.

General Education Requirement


First Year Seminar


Disciplinary Perspectives Requirements


Constellation Requirements


The Constellation requirement is met when a student completes four courses from a minimum of three disciplines within the Constellation requirements. Transfer students that are awarded 60 or more credits upon acceptance to York College will not be required to complete a Constellation except for Education majors.

Required Major Courses:


Students must receive a grade of 2.0 or higher in each course within the major.

Philosophy Electives


Students must complete a total of 24 elective credits. At least nine credits must be at the 300 level or higher. Up to 12 credits may be REL courses.

Foreign Language Requirement


Students must complete two semesters of the same foreign language.

Elective courses (27 credits)


Students may choose any 27 credits of elective courses.

Suggested Course Sequence:


Freshman Year (30 credits)


Sophomore Year (30 credits)


Junior Year (30 credits)


Senior Year (30 credits)


  • 3 credit hours
  • 3 credit hours
  • Philosophy Elective course 3 credit hours
  • Philosophy Elective course 3 credit hours
  • Philosophy Elective course 3 credit hours
  • Constellation course 3 credit hours
  • Constellation course 3 credit hours
  • Elective course 3 credit hours
  • Elective course 3 credit hours
  • Elective course 3 credit hours

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